Martyn's Sonic Rebirth: Jazz Meets Bass Music

Martyn Deykers, the D.C.-based producer known as Martyn, has unveiled a significant artistic evolution with his latest album, Music for Existing. Following a life-altering heart attack in 2017, Martyn reported experiencing a heightened sense of auditory space, a phenomenon he has channeled into his new work. This album represents a definitive move away from the strictures of dance music and into a more unbridled stylistic exploration.

Having spent two decades in electronic music, Martyn gained recognition for his hybridizations of dubstep and techno. However, Music for Existing shifts focus, incorporating acoustic instruments like keyboards, cello, and live drums. This shift is exemplified by the opening track, "Heavy Sound," which features live drumming and a blend of jazz and dance elements, signaling a new direction for the artist.

Crucially, Martyn broke from his typical solitary production methods by collaborating with a global network of musicians. This collaborative approach, featuring artists like drummer Mischa Porte and trumpeter Cees Bruinsma, injects a dynamic, live feel into the album, moving beyond programmed electronic sounds into a richer, more textured sonic landscape.